Somali rebels retreat from last bastion

Sunday, September 30, 2012

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Somalia's al-Shabaab rebels retreated from the southern port of Kismayu overnight, abandoning the last major bastion of their five-year revolt to an offensive by African Union and Somali government troops.

The loss of Kismayu a day after it was attacked by Kenyan and Somali soldiers backed by air strikes is a major blow to the al-Qaedalinked rebels, weakening morale and depriving them of revenue from taxing local businesses and shipping.

The government in Mogadishu said Kismayu was now under its control and called on residents to co-operate with security agencies and AU forces in improving security.

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